Apparatus and method for automatic display control of a video image in mobile terminal

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for automatically controlling screens displayed on two display units of a mobile terminal are provided. The method includes receiving an input requesting to operate a camera of the mobile terminal; providing a video image that is obtained via the camera through a first display area disposed in a first surface of the mobile terminal or a second display area disposed in a second surface being opposite to the first surface of the mobile terminal, based on a camera mode, wherein the camera mode includes a first mode and a second mode; while providing the video image obtained via the camera through the first display area or the second display area, detecting a rotation of the mobile terminal; and in response to detecting the rotation, switching a display area providing the video image between the first display area and the second display area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/725,447, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) onDec. 23, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/006,419, filed in the USPTO on Jun. 12, 2018, issued as U.S. Pat.No. 10,514,778 on Dec. 24, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/169,044, filed in the USPTO on May 31, 2016,issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,001,846 on Jun. 19, 2018, which is aContinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/163,520, filed inthe USPTO on Jan. 24, 2014, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,508,307 on Nov.29, 2016, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/593,852, filed in the USPTO on Aug. 24, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat.No. 8,638,325 on Jan. 28, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/604,837, filed in the USPTO on Nov. 28, 2006,and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,284,215 on Oct. 9, 2012, and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application No.10-2006-0030430, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office onApr. 4, 2006, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a mobile terminal. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus forautomatic on/off control of a dual liquid crystal display (hereinafter,LCD) installed in a mobile terminal, and a method thereof.

Description of the Prior Art

With recent developments in the wireless communication technology, theuse of mobile terminals has rapidly increased. As a result ofpopularization of mobile terminals, communication service companiescurrently provide various kinds of services to satisfy telephonesubscribers' requirements, such as a wireless Internet service, shortmessage service, and multimedia service including screen images andmoving pictures, in addition to a voice communication service free fromrestriction in time and space.

The mobile terminal has a basic function of performing voicecommunication with another mobile phone or a wired telephone through abase station while freely moving in a mobile communication service area,and has additional functions of performing data communication, such aspersonal information management, information exchange with a computerand with the Internet. Recently, new mobile terminals appearingfrequently in the market provide a better performance improved byproviding transmission and reception of screen images or movingpictures, virtual 3-dimensional stereo sounds, MP3 player function, andintegration of camera for picture-taking.

According to its functions, a mobile terminal may be classified as aterminal having an Internet function, terminal having a charactertransmission function, terminal having a moving picture function,terminal having a user's health check function, and terminal having agame function. Additionally, digital multimedia services, such as adigital television service or a video on demand service, have beencommercialized. Some existing mobile terminals provide a 3-dimensionalgame function, which is more developed than a game function using asimple text, and a messenger function.

Recently, mobile terminals have continuously been changed and developedin their forms and functions. In their forms, mobile terminals have beendeveloped in various types such as a bar type, flip type, folder type,dual folder type and slide type. In their functions, mobile terminalshave been developed to provide various functions such as a gamefunction, a video on demand function, an electronic dictionary functionand a MP3 player function, in addition to their basic function of aphone call.

Although the mobile terminals have been greatly developed in their formsand functions, display units for displaying information have not beendeveloped so much in their forms and functions. In conventional mobileterminals of a dual folder type or slide type, a waiting screen isdisplayed or a screen of a correspondingly requested function isdisplayed by operating an LCD, when a folder opens or slides sideways.

The LCD displays a waiting screen during initialization, and if afunction is requested by a user during the initialization, the LCDdisplays only a specific screen by switching to a screen correspondingto the requested function. Such an LCD operating method displays ascreen corresponding to an additional function performed by the mobileterminal. When the mobile terminal operates in a camera mode, only ascreen related to the camera mode is displayed. Alternatively, when themobile terminal operates in a MP3 mode, only a screen related to the MP3mode is displayed.

Accordingly, in the conventional mobile terminals, various screenshaving additional functions may not comprehensively be used. Usabilityof the mobile terminal and user convenience decreases, because only oneLCD is used and the size of the LCD screen is relatively small.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved apparatus and method forcontrolling an automatic display in a mobile terminal using a dual LCDcomprising additional functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to address at least the aboveproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for supplyinga service for user convenience in using a dual LCD in a mobile terminal.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and amethod for controlling automatic display of a dual LCD in a mobileterminal.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and amethod for automatic on/off control of a dual LCD by using a sensingunit in a mobile terminal, and for automatically displaying screens ofadditional functions correspondingly.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and amethod for automatically changing or simultaneously displayingadditional functions corresponding to rotation angles of a mobileterminal.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for operating a portable communication device. The methodincludes receiving an input for request of operating a camera of theportable communication device; providing a video image that is obtainedvia the camera through a first display area disposed in a first surfaceof the portable communication device or a second display area disposedin a second surface being opposite to the first surface of the portablecommunication device, based on a camera mode, wherein the camera modeincludes at least a first mode and a second mode; while providing thevideo image that is obtained via the camera through the first displayarea or the second display area, detecting a rotation of the portablecommunication device; and in response to detecting the rotation,switching a display area providing the video image between the firstdisplay area and the second display area.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a portablecommunication device is provided, which includes a touchscreen displayincluding a first display area disposed in a first surface of theportable communication device and a second display area disposed in asecond surface being opposite to the first surface of the portablecommunication device; a sensor; a camera; and a processor configured toreceive an input for request of operating the camera, provide a videoimage that is obtained via the camera through the first display area orthe second display area based on a camera mode, the camera modeincluding at least a first mode and a second mode, while providing thevideo image obtained via the camera through the first display area orthe second display area, detect, via the sensor, a rotation of theportable device, and in response to detecting the rotation, switch adisplay area providing the video image between the first display areaand the second display area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views of a mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method for automatically switchingon/off and displaying a dual LCD in a mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow charts showing an operating method for a user'skey input in a mobile terminal having a dual LCD, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method for controlling a dual LCDcorresponding to a user's request in a mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow charts showing a method for executingadditional functions by using a dual LCD in a mobile terminal accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing another method for executing additionalfunctions by using a dual LCD in a mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will beunderstood to refer to the same elements, features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The matters defined in the description such as a detailed constructionand elements are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding ofexemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that various changes and modificationsof the embodiments described herein can be made without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-knownfunctions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose an apparatus anda method for providing a service for user convenience in using a mobileterminal. For example, the present invention provides a mobile terminalhaving a dual liquid crystal display (hereinafter, LCD), and enablesdisplay of additional functions desired by the user through one or twoLCDs by using the dual LCD.

Although the LCD is described as an example of a display unit accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present inventionis not limited thereto.

The present invention provides an automatic changeover between two LCDsby using a sensing unit in a mobile terminal having a dual LCD, andautomatic display of additional function screens on the correspondingLCD.

For example, when the front surface of the mobile terminal is formed asa conventional phone face and the rear surface is formed as a MP3 face,the LCD of the front surface (that is, phone screen) and the LCD of therear surface (that is, MP3 screen) are automatically displayed accordingto operation of the sensing unit. Additionally, the LCDs of the frontand rear surfaces are automatically switched on/off corresponding to afunction desired by the user. In this example, the mobile terminal mayhave various forms including an MP3 face corresponding to additionalfunctions to be utilized in the mobile terminal.

Although a mobile terminal is hereinafter described as an example forconvenience in explanation, the present invention is not limitedthereto. The mobile terminal according to the exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention is a terminal for providing user convenience. Theterminal for providing user convenience may be information andcommunication equipment, such as a mobile terminal, mobile phone,wired/wireless telephone, smart phone, International MobileTelecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) terminal, and Universal MobileTelecommunication Service (UMTS) terminal, and their applications.

First, a configuration of a mobile terminal according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views of a mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention may be divided into amobile terminal portion and an additional function portion. Referring tothe mobile terminal portion shown in FIG. 1A and the additional functionportion shown in FIG. 1B provided on a front surface and a rear surfacerespectively, the front surface may be configured with a conventionalmobile terminal function and the rear surface may be configured with anadditional function such as a MP3 or camera.

However, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limitedthereto. The front and rear surfaces are preferably reversible, andvarious additional functions may be executed according to the structureof the front and rear surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the front surface of the mobile terminal accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a firstdisplay unit 101 for displaying screens related to the mobile terminal,such as an execution screen of a conventional mobile terminal,communication screen, game screen, character message service screen,picture-taking screen for a camera function, and moving picture screen;a receiver 103 for outputting a voice signal received duringcommunication with the mobile terminal; a first keypad 105 for inputtingnumber/character data and control data for functions predetermined by auser; and a microphone 111 for receiving a voice signal from the user.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the rear surface of the mobile terminal accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a seconddisplay unit 121 for displaying additional function screens of themobile terminal such as a MP3 screen, picture-taking screen related to acamera function, game screen, and moving picture screen; a speaker 123for outputting an audio signal related to the additional functions ofthe mobile terminal; a second keypad 125 for receiving commands foradditional functions and control data for predetermined functions; and acamera 129 for capturing image data through picture-taking.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a side surface of the mobile terminal according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a volumecontrol key 107 for adjusting volume and an earphone jack 109 forproviding an interface for transmission of a voice or audio signalsthrough an earphone. As shown in FIG. 1B, another side surface of themobile terminal may include a shortcut key 127 for instant execution ofa mapped function such as a camera function.

Additionally, the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention is preferably installed with a touch panel. Forexample, the first display unit 101 of FIG. 1A and the second displayunit 121 of FIG. 1B may include an LCD in a touch screen form. Thecamera 129 of FIG. 1B may be installed on the front surface of FIG. 1Acorresponding to the configuration of the mobile terminal, or may beinstalled on both surfaces of FIGS. 1A and 1B as a dual camera.

In the mobile terminal having the above configuration, if the user turnsthe front surface to the rear side by rotating the mobile terminal, aMP3 execution screen is automatically displayed on the second displayunit 121. If the user then returns the rearward-facing surface back tothe front side by rotating the mobile terminal, an execution screen ofthe mobile terminal is automatically displayed on the first display unit101. That is, the mobile terminal according to the present inventionprovides an automatic on/off control of two display units (that is, dualLCD) and automatic display control of execution screens corresponding toadditional functions.

For convenience in explanation, FIGS. 1A and 1B show schematic examplesof the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto, and the mobile terminal may be formed in various shapes byselectively combining various means described above.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a mobileterminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile terminal according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention is generally divided into an inputmeans, processing means, storage means, output means, and communicationmeans.

The input means includes an audio processing unit 205 for processing avoice signal input through a microphone, key input unit 207 forinputting number/character data and control data for functionspredetermined by a user, and camera 213 for capturing image data throughpicture-taking. The input means receives a voice signal,number/character data and multimedia data such as image data through theabove component devices.

The processing means includes a signal processing unit 215 forconverting image data input by the camera 213 to a digital signal, animage processing unit 217 for processing/outputting input image datadigitally processed by the signal processing unit 215 and additionalfunction data changed corresponding to the dual LCD (that is, a firstdisplay unit 219 and a second display unit 221); a data processing unit203 for processing a voice signal transmitted by the audio processingunit 205, number/character data input by a user through the key inputunit 207, and additional execution/operation data; a control unit 211for performing control operations for internal blocks of the mobileterminal; a sensing unit 223 for detecting the direction and range ofthe mobile terminal's rotation; and an additional function changecontrol unit 225 for controlling additional functions and changing anadditional function displayed on the first display unit 219 and thesecond display unit 221 corresponding to information provided by thesensing unit 223. The processing means performs operations correspondingto user data input by the input means, such as voice data, characterdata, image data, and additional functions requested by the user.

The storage means includes a memory unit 209, and stores the user datainput by the user through the input means and programs for providingautomatic on/off function of the dual LCD of the mobile terminal.

The output means includes a first display unit 219 and a second displayunit 221 for outputting screens of information on the input/requesteduser data and additional functions for the user, and the audioprocessing unit 205 for outputting a voice signal or audio dataexternally. The output means outputs screens corresponding to the userdata input by the input means or stored in the storage means and tovarious additional functions.

The communication means performs wireless transmission of the user datato another user or transmission and reception of contents by connectingto an external web server, and includes a radio frequency (hereinafter,RF) processing unit 201 and an antenna.

The RF processing unit 201 performs communication operations related toa voice communication, short message service (SMS) or multimediamessaging service (MMS) communication, and data communication. The RFprocessing unit 201 includes an RF transmitter for upconverting andamplifying the frequency of a transmitting signal and an RF receiver forlow-noise amplifying and downconverting the frequency of a receivedsignal.

The data processing unit 203 may include a means for encoding andmodulating a signal transmitted by the RF processing unit 201 and ameans for decoding and demodulating a signal received by the RFprocessing unit 201. The audio processing unit 205 plays an audio signalreceived from the data processing unit 203 or transmits an audio signalsuch as a voice input by a microphone to the data processing unit 203.

The key input unit 207 inputs number and character information, andincludes number keys, character keys, and function keys for settingvarious functions. The function keys may include a volume key, directionkeys, shortcut keys, and keys mapped correspondingly. Additionally, thekey input unit 207 includes a first key pad and a second key padinstalled on the front surface and rear surface respectively of themobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

The memory unit 209 may include a program area and a data area. Theprogram area stores programs for general operation control of the mobileterminal and programs for automatic on/off control and display of thedual LCD installed on the front and rear surfaces of the mobile terminalaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The data area stores data generated during the execution of the programsand setup information on the automatic display of the dual LCD, and mayinclude a database.

The programs controlling the automatic on/off control of the dual LCDmay include a program for extracting operation control information forthe automatic display of the dual LCD from a value detected by a sensor,a program for on/off control and automatic display of the dual LCDcorresponding to input information related to the automatic displayfunction of the dual LCD (that is, operation control information), aprogram for an automatic change and control of additional functionscreens displayed on the dual LCD corresponding to on/off states of thedual LCD, and a program for displaying one or more additional functionssimultaneously corresponding to the operation state of the dual LCD.

The control unit 211 controls general operation of the mobile terminal.If a setup change signal for the automatic display of the dual LCD isinput by the key input unit 207, the control unit 211 controlscorresponding mode setting and operation of the sensing unit 223.Additionally, if information on the rotation or direction change of themobile terminal is input by the sensing unit 223, the control unit 211controls the corresponding operation. For example, if the sensing unit223 detects a direction change of the mobile terminal and transmits thecorresponding information, the control unit 211 controls switchingon/off and automatic display of the dual LCD corresponding to theinformation. Additionally, the control unit 211 synchronizes with theadditional function change control unit 225, and controls automaticdisplay of additional function screens according to the changeover ofthe dual LCD.

The control unit 211 controls changeovers between additional functionscurrently being executed corresponding to information transmitted by theadditional function change control unit 225, and controls simultaneousdisplay of the dual LCD by executing more than one additional function.Additionally, the control unit 211 controls display of additionalfunctions generated or provided corresponding to an input mode settingsignal, user data, or guide message.

In an exemplary implementation, the control unit 211 identifiesactivation and deactivation of a service mode, namely, operation statescorresponding to information transmitted by the sensing unit 223. If theservice mode is activated, the control unit 211 controls detection ofthe direction and range of the mobile terminal's rotation, and controlsswitching on/off and automatic display of each LCD corresponding toinformation transmitted by the sensing unit 223.

In the state that the service mode is activated, the control unit 211identifies the input information. If the information is for driving thefirst display unit 219, the control unit 211 automatically displays anadditional function screen by switching on the first display unit 219and switching off the second display unit 221. If the information is foroperating the second display unit 221, the control unit 211automatically displays an additional function screen by switching on thesecond display unit 221 and switching off the first display unit 219. Ifthe information is for operating the dual LCD, the control unit 211controls such that requested additional functions are displayed on thefirst display unit 219 and on the second display unit 221 by switchingon the first display unit 219 and the second display unit 221.

When the service mode is deactivated, the control unit 211 identifiesinformation requested by the user, and controls a display operationcorresponding to the information, such as on/off control of the displayunit and display of additional function screens. That is, the operationof the dual LCD is manually controlled by the user.

The camera 213 takes a picture, and transmits an analog signal to thesignal processing unit 215. The signal processing unit 215 outputs animage signal by converting the analog signal received from the camera213 to a digital signal.

The image processing unit 217 generates screen data to display the imagesignal output by the signal processing unit 215. Under the control ofthe control unit 211, the image processing unit 215 transmits the imagedata or an additional function screen to the first display unit 219 andthe second display unit 221 according to their configurations, andcompresses or decompresses the input image data.

The first display unit 219 and the second display unit 221 areautomatically switched on/off by the control of the control unit 211,and display the image data output by the image processing unit 217 andthe additional function screen. Additionally, the first display unit 219and the second display unit 221 display execution or setup screensaccording to the application programs for the additional functions andmode setting guide messages corresponding to the control of the controlunit 211.

The sensing unit 223 may include an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor,or a combination thereof. The acceleration sensor or gyro sensorgenerally outputs an analog value, and outputs a digital value byincluding an analog-to-digital converter for digital operation. Thesensing unit 223 detects the direction and range of the mobileterminal's rotation by using the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor, andgenerates and transmits the corresponding information. Additionally, thesensing unit 223 may include any other means performing the samefunction as the above described sensor.

Hereinafter, an acceleration sensor is described as a typical example ofthe sensing unit 223 to clarify the subject matter of the presentinvention.

The acceleration sensor detects acceleration, speed, and displacement ofthe mobile terminal by using 3-dimensional acceleration information, andthereby movement of the mobile terminal may be identified. Theacceleration information includes a gravity acceleration component and arelative acceleration component induced by the movement of the mobileterminal.

By using an acceleration sensor installed in the mobile terminal, theacceleration sensor generates 3-dimensional (in the directions ofx-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) acceleration information of different valuesaccording to the skew of the mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 1A.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, automatic switchingon/off operation is described, based on the acceleration information ofthe z-axis direction of the acceleration sensor, which varies accordingto the skew of the mobile terminal to the ground. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. Any combination out of the x-axis,y-axis, and z-axis components of the acceleration information of theacceleration sensor may be used for the automatic switching on/offoperation.

The control unit 211 collects acceleration information in the x-axis,y-axis, and z-axis output by the acceleration sensor. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, the control unit 211 utilizes theacceleration information in the z-axis as described above. Subsequently,the control unit 211 controls automatic switching on/off of the dual LCDby converting the collected acceleration information into a specificvalue expressed in momentum energy and comparing the value with apredetermined critical value.

If the specific value exceeds the critical value, the control unit 211transmits information for driving the second display unit 219. If thespecific value is smaller than the critical value, the control unit 211transmits information for driving the first display unit 221. Operationof the display units may be set in a reverse manner by changing thecomparison method between the specific value and the critical value.

The additional function change control unit 225 controls a changeoverbetween additional functions displayed on the first display unit 219 andthe second display unit 221, and controls automatic display of executionscreens of the additional functions corresponding to on/off states ofthe first display unit 219 and the second display unit 221. For example,while displaying a character message input screen on the first displayunit 219, if operation control information for the second display unit221 is received by rotating the mobile terminal, the additional functionchange control unit 225 controls display of an additional functionexecution screen, such as a MP3 execution screen, on the second displayunit 221 corresponding to the drive control information.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method for automatically switchingon/off and displaying a dual LCD in a mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, when a user sets an automatic control mode to usean automatic on/off control function using a sensor for a dual LCD, thecontrol unit changes and stores the setting of the automatic controlmode according to the user's mode setting signal (S301). Subsequently,the control unit controls the operation of the sensor, and detects themobile terminal rotation by using the sensor (S303).

If a rotation of the mobile terminal is detected (S305), the controlunit receives rotation information generated by the sensing unitcorresponding to the rotation of the mobile terminal, and identifies therotation information of the mobile terminal (S307).

The control unit then checks whether the rotation information identifiedin step S307 is operation control information for a first display unit(S309).

When the sensing unit is an acceleration sensor, the rotationinformation may include 3-dimensional rotation information (in thedirections of x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) output by the accelerationsensor. The control unit collects the 3-dimensional accelerationinformation, and compares a specific value obtained by collecting theacceleration information with a predetermined critical value. Accordingto the result of the comparison, the control unit generates a drivecontrol signal for the first display unit or for the second displayunit.

According to the check result in step S309, if the rotation informationis a drive control signal for the first display unit, the control unitdrives the first display unit (S311). The control unit then identifiesan additional function set for automatic execution in the first displayunit (S313). The control unit displays the corresponding additionalfunction identified in step S313 on the first display unit (S315).

According to the check result in step S309, if the rotation informationis not a drive control signal for the first display unit, the controlunit drives the second display unit (S317). The control unit thenidentifies an additional function set for automatic execution in thesecond display unit (S319). The control unit displays the correspondingadditional function identified in step S319 on the second display unit(S321).

In an exemplary implementation, the second display unit is automaticallyswitched off while operating the first display unit and the firstdisplay unit is automatically switched off while operating the seconddisplay unit. However, according to the setting method, the first andsecond display units may be simultaneously displayed by maintainingoperation states of the first and second display units individually.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow charts showing an operating method for a user'skey input in a mobile terminal having a dual LCD, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mobile terminal detects and identifiesan event generated by a user (S501). The mobile terminal then checkswhether the event is generated by the user's key input (S503). If theevent is generated by the user's key input, the mobile terminal checkswhether there is a currently operating display unit (S505).

According to the check result in step S505, if no display unit iscurrently operating, the mobile terminal checks whether the key input isfor driving a display unit (S507). If the key input is for driving adisplay unit in step S507, the mobile terminal drives the display unit(that is, the first display unit and/or the second display unit) thatcorresponds to the user's request (S509).

If a display unit is currently driven in step S505 or if the firstand/or second display units are currently driven in step S509, anoperation corresponding to the key input is performed as follows. If ascreen change is requested by the user (S511), a screen currently beingdisplayed on a display unit (for example, the first display unit) isdisplayed on the other display unit (for example, the second displayunit) (S513). While an additional function screen such as a multimediamessage service (MMS) screen is displayed on the first display unit, ifthe user wants to execute the MMS screen on the second display unit, ascreen change to the second display unit is performed by using apredetermined function key or a soft key allocated to a screen changefunction.

If a simultaneous operation of the first and second display units isrequested by the user (S515), an additional function screen currentlybeing executed is simultaneously displayed on the first and seconddisplay units corresponding to the user's request (S517). Alternatively,different additional function screens may be individually displayed onthe first and second display units corresponding to the user's request.

If an additional function change is requested for the currentlyexecuting additional function (S519), a new additional function screenis displayed on the first and/or second display units corresponding tothe user's request (S521). For example, if the user requests a MP3execution through the first display unit on which an MMS screen iscurrently being executed, the MP3 execution screen is displayed on adisplay unit requested by the user or on a display unit predeterminedfor the MP3 execution.

If the user's key input is not for the control of the dual LCD display,an operation such as a call connection for voice communication isperformed corresponding to the user's request (S523).

If the event is not generated by the user's key input in step S503, andif the event is identified as an automatic control of the dual LCD in asensor mode (S525), the mobile terminal detects whether its positionchanges (S527). If a position change of the mobile terminal is detected,on off states of the first and/or second display units, screen change,and automatic display of an additional function screen are controlledaccording to the position change (S529).

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method for controlling a dual LCDcorresponding to a user's request in a mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, a key input for driving the dual LCD, such as acontrol command for a simultaneous drive of the first and second displayunit, is generated, and the operation state of a sensor is identified(S601). If the sensor is in operation, the operation of the sensor isinterrupted (S603).

The driven state of the display units is detected (S605), and whether adisplay unit is currently driven is determined (S607). If no displayunit is currently driven, the first and second display units are driven(S609). If a display unit is currently driven, a display unit switchedoff (for example, the second display unit) is driven (S611).

After driving the first and/or second display unit (S609 and S611),additional functions requested by the user are identified (S613), andprocessed individually (S615).

After individually processing the requested additional functions, therequested additional function screens are automatically displayed on thefirst and second display units individually (S617). For example,additional functions requested by the user may be a character messageinput through the first display unit and an MP3 execution through thesecond display unit. The character message input and the MP3 executionare automatically displayed on the first and second display unitsrespectively.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow charts showing a method for executingadditional functions by using a dual LCD in a mobile terminal accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a method for utilizing a dual LCD with anadditional function of a camera. When an event of using the camera isgenerated (S701), it is determined whether the additional function of acamera is performed through a single display unit (that is, using thefirst display unit or the second display unit according to a user'ssetting) (S703).

If a response signal for the check result of step S703 is for executionof the additional function using a single LCD, a screen is displayedcorresponding to the user's request (S707). For example, if the userrequests an operation through the first display unit, an image taken bythe camera is displayed on the first display unit according to theuser's request, and if the user requests an operation through the seconddisplay unit, the image taken by the camera is displayed on the seconddisplay unit.

If a response signal for the check result of step S703 is for executionof the additional function using a dual LCD, an automatic or manual modeis determined (S705). If a manual mode is selected in step S705, ascreen change is performed corresponding to the user's request (S707).For example, a screen change to the first or second display unit isperformed, and the image taken by the camera is displayed on thecorresponding display unit.

If an automatic mode is selected in step S705, an operation related tothe camera function is identified (S709).

For example, if the camera faces in the direction of a subject forpicture-taking (S711), an image taken by the camera is automaticallydisplayed on the first display unit (S713). Alternatively, if the camerafaces in the direction of the user for self picture-taking (S719), animage of the user taken by the camera is displayed on the second displayunit (S721).

After displaying the image on the first or second display unit, adirection change (that is, rotation) of the camera is detected (S715),and display screens of the first and second display units areautomatically changed (S717). For example, when an image taken by thecamera is currently displayed on the first display unit, the directionof the camera is changed due to the rotation of the mobile terminal, andthe image taken by the camera is displayed on the second display unit.

As another example, a check mode for viewing an image that is beingtaken or already taken is requested by the user (S723), and a displaymode corresponding to the check mode is selected (S725).

For example, if a simultaneous display mode is selected for displayingan image on both first and second display units (S727), the image issimultaneously displayed on the first and second display units (S729).Alternatively, if an automatic display mode is selected for displayingan image on the first or second display unit according to operation of asensor (S731), the image is automatically displayed corresponding toon/off states of the first or second display unit (S733). If a singledisplay mode is selected for displaying an image on the first or seconddisplay unit (S735), the image is displayed on one of the first andsecond display units selected by a user's setting (S737). The display ofan image on the first and second display units may be manually selectedaccording to a user's request.

Although not illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, as another example, if adual LCD mode is selected in relation to the camera function, both userand subject of picture-taking may see an image by displaying the imagetaken by the camera simultaneously on the first and second displayunits.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing another method for executing additionalfunctions by using a dual LCD in a mobile terminal according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for displaying different additional functionscreens individually on the dual LCD according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. First, an additional functionscreen, such as a screen for displaying an image taken by a camera data,is displayed by driving a first display unit (S801). In this state, if akey event is generated by a user (S803), it is identified whether thekey event is for execution of an additional function (such as a MP3)(S805).

According to the result of step S805, if the key event is for executionof an additional function, the type of the additional function (forexample, MP3 function) is identified (S807), and an execution screen ofthe identified additional function (for example, a MP3 execution screen)is automatically displayed by driving a second display unit (S809).Subsequently, an operation requested by a user is executed in relationto the additional function of executing MP3 (S811). While displaying theMP3 execution screen by driving the second display unit, an imagedisplayed on the first display unit is maintained. Therefore, the usermay see both image screen and MP3 execution screen through two displayunits, and may also change the execution screens individually to otheradditional functions.

If the key event is not for execution of an additional function in stepS805, it is identified whether a screen change is requested (S813). If ascreen change is not requested in step S813, an operation requested bythe user is performed (S815). For example, changes between additionalfunctions, such as editing an image displayed on the first display unit,picture-taking by using a camera function, and inputting a charactermessage by using a short message service (SMS), may be performed.

If a screen change is requested in step S813, the screen changeaccording to the operation of a sensor (that is, an automatic displaycorresponding to on/off states of the first and second display units) isperformed (S817).

As described above, by using an apparatus and a method for automaticscreen on/off control in a mobile terminal according to exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, various additional functionsutilizing a dual LCD may be provided for the mobile terminal, and userconvenience may be improved. Additionally, a plurality of additionalfunction screens may be displayed simultaneously or selectively by usingthe automatic on/off control of a dual LCD in the mobile terminal, andthereby the operation efficiency of a mobile terminal user may beimproved.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can also be embodied ascomputer-readable codes on a computer-readable recording medium. Thecomputer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that canstore data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examplesof the computer-readable recording medium include, but are not limitedto, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs,magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and carrierwaves (such as data transmission through the Internet via wired orwireless transmission paths). The computer-readable recording medium canalso be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that thecomputer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.Also, function programs, codes, and code segments for accomplishing thepresent invention can be easily construed as within the scope of theinvention by programmers skilled in the art to which the presentinvention pertains.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a portable communicationdevice, the method comprising: receiving an input for request ofoperating a camera of the portable communication device; determining aswitching mode relating to a display area of a video image that isobtained via the camera, based on a first user input on a first displayarea or a second display area, the first display area being disposed ina first surface of the portable communication device and the seconddisplay area being disposed in a second surface being opposite to thefirst surface of the portable communication device; when the determinedswitching mode is a first switching mode: providing the video image thatis obtained via the camera through the first display area; whileproviding the video image that is obtained via the camera through thefirst display area or the second display area, detecting a rotation ofthe portable communication device; and in response to detecting therotation, switching the display area providing the video image betweenthe first display area and the second display area; and when thedetermined switching mode is a second switching mode: providing thevideo image that is obtained via the camera through both the firstdisplay area and the second display area; and when detecting therotation of the portable communication device, maintaining the providingof the video image through both the first display area and the seconddisplay area, wherein detecting the rotation of the portablecommunication device comprises detecting a flipping over of an entiretyof the portable communication device.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding the video image comprises providing the video image that isobtained via the camera disposed in the first surface of the portablecommunication device through at least the first display area in a firstcapture mode, such that the portable communication device allows a userto take a picture of the user by the camera, while watching the videoimage of the user being obtained via the camera.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein providing the video image comprises providing the video imagethat is obtained via the camera disposed in the first surface of theportable communication device through at least the second display areain a second capture mode, such that the portable communication deviceallows a user to take a picture of an object at which a user is looking,while watching the video image of the object being obtained via thecamera.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: while providingthe video image that is obtained via the camera through the firstdisplay area or through the second display area, detecting a second userinput on the first display area or the second display area for switchinga display area providing the video image between the first display areaand the second display area; and based on detecting the second userinput for switching, switching the display area providing the videoimage between the first display area and the second display area.
 5. Aportable communication device, comprising: a touchscreen displayincluding a first display area disposed in a first surface of theportable communication device and a second display area disposed in asecond surface being opposite to the first surface of the portablecommunication device; a sensor; a camera; and a processor configured to:receive an input for request of operating the camera, determine aswitching mode relating to a display area of a video image that isobtained via the camera, based on a first user input on the firstdisplay area or the second display area, when the determined switchingmode is a first switching mode: provide the video image that is obtainedvia the camera through the first display area or the second displayarea, while providing the video image obtained via the camera throughthe first display area or the second display area, detect, via thesensor, a rotation of the portable device, and in response to detectingthe rotation, switch the display area providing the video image betweenthe first display area and the second display area, and when thedetermined switching mode is a second switching mode: provide the videoimage that is obtained via the camera through both the first displayarea and the second display area, and when detecting the rotation of theportable communication device, maintain the providing of the video imagethrough both the first display area and the second display area, whereindetecting the rotation of the portable communication device comprisesdetecting a flipping over of an entirety of the portable communicationdevice.
 6. The portable communication device of claim 5, wherein theprocessor is further configured to provide the video image that isobtained via the camera disposed in the first surface of the portablecommunication device through at least the first display area in a firstcapture mode, such that the portable communication device allows a userto take a picture of the user by the camera, while watching the videoimage of the user being obtained via the camera.
 7. The portablecommunication device of claim 5, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to provide the video image that is obtained via the cameradisposed in the first surface of the portable communication devicethrough at least the second display area in a second capture mode, suchthat the portable communication device allows a user to take a pictureof an object at which a user is looking, while watching the video imageof the object being obtained via the camera.
 8. The portablecommunication device of claim 5, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: while providing the video image that is obtained via thecamera through the first display area or through the second displayarea, detect a second user input on the first display area or the seconddisplay area for switching the display area providing the video imagebetween the first display area and the second display area, and based ondetecting the second user input for switching, switch the display areaproviding the video image between the first display area and the seconddisplay area.